International Service Clubs
Sunday, 19 December 2010
MR. Siddiqui in his article on the subject published in the FE pages on December 11th, raises a pertinent question about service clubs; where he mentions about Rotary and Lions Club's aim towards service. He states: "Are they (service clubs) really and effectively promoting ethics in private life, business and profession of members in the community?"
I cannot talk about Lions; but as a Rotarian for over 25 years; I would like to state on what we Rotarians do. Fellowship is the foundation of Rotarians and their families starting with their club members. This unites them to the common objective of "service above self"; so that their Rotary Club does what it can for the needy in their community. This is our major aim and objective as Rotarians. These activities are small and local, helping individuals, which percolates down to their families.
Among other activities, our club provides nearly free, with only a token fee of taka five, medical consultations and medicines as needed. If needed we also help them out in getting specialised medical or surgical attention including hospitalisation, if were needed. This is given to 'Bustee' dwellers who live in bamboo huts -- no more than a mile away from the Gulshan First Circle! We also have a primary school there for educating their children; and where needed, we provide books and stationary for students reading in local school in higher classes! Promising students are also given financial assistance to be trained as technicians like skilled medical attendants, electricians and in other trades.
In other rural areas, we have provided inputs for farming, tube wells for potable water, and similar infrastructure support in their house building etc. This activity at the micro-level is carried out year after year in different areas, to support the needy in their struggle for living!
However, regarding ethics, I wonder if these service clubs can mold a person's moral character! Ethics and moral values are embedded in the formative years of childhood where influence, examples of elders sets the tone. Family values play a large part in this; since the youngster learns from what he or she sees, looks, listens and learns. Possibly parents are the key resources for inculcating ethical values in a child!
S. A. Mansoor
Rotary Club of Gulshan, Dhaka
I cannot talk about Lions; but as a Rotarian for over 25 years; I would like to state on what we Rotarians do. Fellowship is the foundation of Rotarians and their families starting with their club members. This unites them to the common objective of "service above self"; so that their Rotary Club does what it can for the needy in their community. This is our major aim and objective as Rotarians. These activities are small and local, helping individuals, which percolates down to their families.
Among other activities, our club provides nearly free, with only a token fee of taka five, medical consultations and medicines as needed. If needed we also help them out in getting specialised medical or surgical attention including hospitalisation, if were needed. This is given to 'Bustee' dwellers who live in bamboo huts -- no more than a mile away from the Gulshan First Circle! We also have a primary school there for educating their children; and where needed, we provide books and stationary for students reading in local school in higher classes! Promising students are also given financial assistance to be trained as technicians like skilled medical attendants, electricians and in other trades.
In other rural areas, we have provided inputs for farming, tube wells for potable water, and similar infrastructure support in their house building etc. This activity at the micro-level is carried out year after year in different areas, to support the needy in their struggle for living!
However, regarding ethics, I wonder if these service clubs can mold a person's moral character! Ethics and moral values are embedded in the formative years of childhood where influence, examples of elders sets the tone. Family values play a large part in this; since the youngster learns from what he or she sees, looks, listens and learns. Possibly parents are the key resources for inculcating ethical values in a child!
S. A. Mansoor
Rotary Club of Gulshan, Dhaka